Water in rudder & slipway checks

[Shaun]

From: BigLofty4 (Original Message) Sent: 22/06/2005 4:24 PM
I have my Top Hat up on the slip at the moment - relaunching on Sunday night. I notice that the rudder fills up with water which runs out when the rudder is turned. Has anyone else experienced this problem (if it is a problem), and are there any suggested solutions? One recommendation was simly to fill the rudder with that stuff you can buy at Hardware stores for filling gaps and voids.

Besides the antifouling and polishing, I am taking the opportunity to change all the corroding hoseclips on toilet and seacocks etc. Are there any other recommended Slipway checks on a Top Hat before relaunch?

Thanks
Cyril



--------------------------

Reply
Recommend Message 2 of 4 in Discussion

From: TomT_007 Sent: 23/06/2005 1:38 AM
Hi Big Lofty,

I have just gone through this whole exercise myself. In my case, the cracks in the rudder were of such seriousness that I decided to have a whole new rudder made. What I suggest you do is check the rudder for any serious cracks. If only minor ones are found, that do not require further work, then filling it with sealant could work effectively. Yes, I did have water running out.

I will put up the before picture of my rudder when i get a chance, so you can see the problems I had.

One check you should do, is check for osmosis in the hull. Whilst I had about 6 spots, about the size of 20 cent peices, I have had them all removed when I slipped last.

Tom Transfield
home: (02) 9484 6455
mobile: (0400) 574563
email: TomT_007@hotmail.com (or)
thomas.transfield@dgr.nsw.gov.au


--------------------------------

Reply
Recommend Message 3 of 4 in Discussion

From: BigLofty4 Sent: 23/06/2005 3:02 AM
Thanks Tom, Very helpful. I have been able to locate one small crack at the bottom of the rudder, but I'll look very closely tomorrow. I'd be very interested to see shots of your damage, and I guess that I should put shots of mine on the site for comparison. I think, following your experience, that I'll take the rudder dimensions and angles and make one for my next slip. Hopefully, I might get away this year with some filler and sealant. Do you still have the plans and dimensions of your new rudder?

Yes, I have done a thorough check for osmosis and luckily can find none. I had assembled all the gear in readiness to pounce on it. Maybe next year!

-------------------------------------
Reply
Recommend Message 4 of 4 in Discussion

From: BigLofty4 Sent: 29/06/2005 5:25 PM
Tom, I have just put up three pictures of my very minor rudder damage and repair.
Cheers
Cyril